Speech Debelle wins Mercury Prize

Speech Debelle (the stage name for Corynne Elliot) has won the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Prize for her album ‘Speech Therapy’ on Big Dada, the same label as Roots Manuva. In an award ceremony at The Grosvenor House Hotel, London on September 8th, Jools Holland named the rapper from South London as this year’s winner.

To view some video footage of the press conference following the ceremony go here

Upon receiving the award, she commented: "Thank you to the panelists, to my band, thank you so much to my mum, to my fans”.

Speech Debelle had fended off some serious competition including bookie’s favourite Florence and the Machine alongside La Roux, Glasvegas, The Horrors and Friendly Fires.

As previously reported, the complete nominees list was:

Florence & The Machine - Lungs
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Speech Debelle - Speech Therapy
Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires
La Roux - La Roux
Bat For Lashes - Two Suns
The Horrors - Primary Colours
Glasvegas - Glasvegas
Led Bib - Sensible Shoes
Sweet Billy Pilgrim - Twice Born Men
The Invisible - The Invisible
Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew

To find out more about Speech Debelle, go her Myspace or website.

Have your say! What are your thoughts on the 2009 Mercury Prize winner? Post your comments below or e-mail us.